Nervous System - Parkinson's Disease
Simulation No. 1 - Nervous System - FIGHT THE RESISTANCE
Parkinson’s is a chronic, slow-progressing disease that is the most common neurological movement disease in older adults involving abnormal movements. The disease is caused by a lack of neurotransmitter dopamine production and sensitivity amongst receptors in the brain. Lack of dopamine activity contributes to uncoordinated muscle movements throughout the body. (1)
Symptoms of Parkinson’s include pronounced tremors, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement, in which standing, walking and balance are impaired. Other common symptoms include falls, drooling and difficulty swallowing. Psychological symptoms can include depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and emotional irritability. (1)
Through this simulation, you will experience one of the major physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, muscle rigidity. It will help you will gain a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional strain that this disease can have on those diagnosed, ultimately improving understand and evoking a greater sense of empathy.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 5 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- • Resistance band, rope, or a piece of elastic fabric (a scarf)
- • A volunteer assistant to tug on your arm (a family member, friend, housemate)
- • A writing utensil (a pen, pencil, or marker)
- • Something to write on (paper, whiteboard)
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Start by placing all items on a table before you.
- Ask your volunteer assistant to wrap the resistance band around your writing arm. If you do not have a volunteer, tie the band to a chair behind you to simulate similar resistance.
- Instruct the volunteer to pull slightly and unexpectedly to simulate rigidity of movement.
- Attempt to write the grocery list below while the volunteer is pulling your arm with the resistance band.
- Milk
- Bananas
- Chocolate Chips
- Broccoli
- Pasta
- Chicken
Reflection Questions
- Which part of this simulation did you find the most challenging?
- This simulation was only a few minutes long. How would you feel if you lived with tremors all the time?
- What other activities in your life would be impacted if you had to live with tremors of Parkinson’s disease?
Testimonials
Simulation No. 2 - Nervous System - DON'T SPILL THE PILLS
In this simulation, you will experience the tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. Tremors can be described as the shaky movement of a limb that can happen during active movement or at rest. These frustrating movements are one of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s and can result in an inability to carry out the normal activities of daily living such as standing, walking, or keeping balance.(1)
This simulation aims to help you experience what living with tremors feels like. Your experience will hopefully evoke a greater level of empathy towards older adults living with Parkinson’s disease.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 5 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- A handheld vibration device. Options include a cellphone, electrical toothbrush, handheld massager, or any other vibration device you have at home.
- A way to secure the vibrating device to your hand (e.g., rubber bands, tape, wrist bands).
- An empty pill container and a pill sorter. If you do not have a sorter, you can use 7 small containers labelled by day or you can draw a grid with 7 small squares for each day of the week.
- At least 7 different shaped or coloured “pills” such as candy, M&Ms, beans, or beads.
- Table and chair
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Place all materials on the table in front of you.
- Begin with a pill container filled with all “pills” mixed together and an empty pill sorter (or drawn squares on the paper).
- Allow an assistant to fasten the vibration devices to your dominant hand using the band or tape.
- Start the vibration device so your hands begin to vibrate.
- Sort the pills by colour into the sorter while experiencing tremors.
Reflection Questions
- Which part of this simulation did you find the most challenging?
- This simulation was only a few minutes long. How would you feel if you lived with tremors all the time?
- What other activities in your life would be impacted if you had to live with tremors of Parkinson’s disease?
